Exclusive! MCM: Alex Clay

Photo: Alex Clay Instagram

It’s Monday night so you know what time it is! Three words: Man. Crush. Monday.

YES. Meet this week’s #MCM: Alex Clay!

Besides being a footBALLER, Alex clearly has looks on his side too. 😉 Alex is a midfielder for the New York Red Bulls II, and played soccer in college at UAB where he was named co-captain his junior year, and it’s no wonder why!

Alex earned the Conference USA Golden Boot Award after scoring seven goals in conference play (yes, we said SEVEN) and was ranked second on the team in scoring with 22 points (eight goals, six assists) on the year. Alex was also named to the All-Conference USA Second Team and NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division I Men’s All-Midwest Region Second Team. Dayummm.

Plus this guy’s a southern boy, born and raised- Hometown: Huntsville, AL! Shout to our Alabama readers! Check out what Alex told TCD in our questionnaire! You’ll love his guilty pleasur and will totally relate to how he answered what he does before a night out!

Enough of the talk, let’s here it from him! Meet…

ALEX CLAY!

Next Christiano? We can only hope so! Keep up the hard work and the good looks Alex, you know the TCD gals will be rooting for you! 😉

Until Next Time,

Here’s a Jawbreaker- Geno Smith is OUT

Photo: Geno Smith Instagarm

Geno Smith is OUT. And the reason why is a jawbreaker… Literally.

IK Enemkpali “sucker punched” Smith in a locker room altercation over something described to be something you might see in “sixth grade” leaving Smith with a broken jaw (two fractures) and a seat on the bench for 6-10 weeks.

According to coach Todd Bowles,

“It was nothing to do with football. … It was very childish,” coach Todd Bowles said. “He got cold-cocked … sucker punched, whatever you want to call it, in the jaw. He’s got a broken jaw, a fractured jaw.”

Let’s go over that again.

I’m sorry, but if you are Enemkpali, you are described as a MARGINAL player and you’re going to SUCKER PUNCH the to be STARTING QB. In what world did that seem like a good idea? Needless to say, Enemkpali was released immediately after the altercation.

“It was something very childish, something sixth-graders could’ve talked about,” Bowles said. “It had no reason to happen.”

For REAL.

But don’t worry NY Jets fans. Your precious pony boy is in high spirits. Smith channelled his inner Arnold Schwarznegger posting this selfie saying “ILL BE BACK!”

So now the question we’re all wondering about… Who’s stepping up to the QB plate now?

The Jets have Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty to work with now, but really were not planning on using them this soon. Just months ago we had coach Bowles over and over reassuring Jets fans Geno Smith would indeed be there starter. But hey, this is sports- In other words, be prepared for anything. Like a marginal player sucker punching your season’s future in the face. Fabulous.

Just before the altercation occurred coaches were telling media how pleased they were with Smith’s performance in practice heading into the season. Until Monday, Smith hadn’t even thrown an interception. That’s not to say the back up QB’s are not prepared or qualified to take over. After all, let’s not go over Smith’s past season records…

Veteran back up QB Fitzpatrick will take over for the Jets, but Bowles did indicate they may be adding another QB into the mix. Cue Bryce Petty. Although Petty hasn’t been giving the best performance we’ve seen during camp, the kid is still talented.

But back to Fitzpatrick.

This is NOT a bad deal for the Jets at all. Yeah, I said it. Numbers never lie folks… Last season with Houston, Fitzpatrick killed it for the Texans and frankly, shamed Smith’s numbers.

Last season Fitzpatrick accumulated a career-high 56.7 Total Quarterback Rating on the strength of a 63.1 completion percentage and a touchdown-completion ratio (2.12) that ranked No. 13 in the NFL. Compare that to Smith, whose 1.0 touchdown-interceptions ratio ranked No. 30 in the league. Smith’s QBR of 44.3 ranked at a low No. 26.

See what I’m saying here? Not a bad deal at all.

Smith is one of the most inconsistent QB’s in the league. Yes, the Jets franchise is trying to prove a point as to making a decision in whether Geno is their go to guy moving forward, but it’s not too far off to say the Jets just got blessed by an angel with this jawbreaking news…

– Courtney 

10 Best East Coast Stops to Make This Summer

I know how the saying goes, west coast best coast right? WRONG- In my humble opinion of course. 😉

Here are the top 10 things to do when you find yourself East coast chillin’ for the summer…

1. MISQUAMICUT BEACH!

The coolest little one lane beach town in the smallest state in the U.S., Misquamicat Beach, Westerly,  RI! PADDY’S beach bar is where it’s at here! You walk up barefoot in your bathing suit to the bar and you most definitely need to order yourself a shark tank and some clam fritters! 👅 (*MOUTH WATERS*)

2. CONEY ISLAND!

Ride the wonder wheel at Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY not once, but twice. Eat an original NATHAN’s famous hot dog and crinkle fries and hang with the old school carnies!

3. CAPE COD!

Here’s your go to for the BEST DAMN lobster rolls you have ever had! Captain Frosty’s is #1, but let’s be real. You really can’t go wrong with any seafood at the Cape.

4. YANKEES GAME!

 Of course you have to go to a Yanks game! Yeah the beers are $14 dollars, but seeing the 27 champion World Series banners is pretty badass. Not to mention, there’s always the celebs that go to games you can spot on the jumbo-tron. If you’re on a budget, bleacher seats are the best to catch a home run and make rowdy friends!

5. WASHINGTON D.C.!

Check out the Lincoln Memorial, White House and countless museums. It’s okay to look for Olivia Pope on Scandal, but make sure you stop by the famous GEORGETOWN CUPCAKES while mingling with famous congressman and senators.

6. VIRGINIA BEACH!

Known for its beautiful bike boardwalk, salt water taffy and in late August, Virginia Beach even hosts the East Coast Surfing Championships. Yeah, the waves are small, but there are still plenty of babes and booze so you know we love it.

7. SARATOGA!

Head to the horse track and play the ponies in Saratoga, NY. Opening day was Friday July 24th and they allow you to bring in your own coolers for all day tailgating! (*Large fancy hat not required, but hey if you’re feeling festive!*)

8. SEACRETS!

Located in Ocean City, MD, if you’re looking for ratchet beach bars, house music and old bay crab cakes this is the place for you.

9. LONG TRAIL BREWING COMPANY!

Looking for a brewery tour? Here’s a great one in VT! I also highly recommended buying Vermont sharp cheddar cheese, homemade maple syrup and anything maple flavored from Vermont. It’s amazing. And the donuts… DYING.

10. THE HAMPTONS!

We had to. I mean, it’s the Hamptons. If you’re feeling bougie, head to an oyster roast, crash a bachelor party or look for Kimye’s mansion. Montauk has the best beaches and the Surf Lodge is a total go-to as well. Go on, embrace your inner stardom and sip on some rose and put on the biggest sunglasses you own and show the Hamptons who’s boss!

Live it up wile you can peeps before these long summer days are over! Go, go, GO!

– Morgan

ESPN Body Issue- Our Top Picks!

ESPN The Magazine annually posts an issue dedicated to none other than the beautiful, sculpted male and female athletes that kill the game, literally and physically. From all shapes and sizes, ESPN gets the up-close and personal view of some of our favorite athletes.

Here is my top 10!

Now go pick up a copy, read by the pool or use it as motivation to get that ass in the gym! (Uhm… Hello Paige Selenski, can I just have a few of your abs?! Hook a sista up!)

1. Kevin Love, F, Cleveland Cavaliers

Photo: ESPN Instagram

2. Odell Beckham Jr.,WR, New York Giants

Photo: ESPN Instagram

3. Ali Krieger, USWNT, Women’s World Cup Champion

Photo: ESPN Instagram

4. Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals

Photo: ESPN Instagram

5. Natalie Coughlin, US Women’s Swimmer, 6 time Olympic Medalist

Photo: Natalie Coughlin Instagram

6. Venus Williams, US Women’s Tennis player

Photo: ESPN “Bodies We Want”

7. Paige Selenski, US Women’s Field Hockey Player

Photo: ESPN “Bodies We Want”

8. Dallas Friday, US Women’s Wakeboarder

Photo: ESPN “Bodies We Want”

9. DeAndre Jordan, Center, Los Angeles Clippers

Photo: ESPN Instagram

10. Ali Raisman, US Women’s Gymnast

Photo: ESPN “Bodies We Want”

Well, I think I’m going to have to go do a spin class now and drink some green sh*t or something. Later!

– Morgan

 

10 Best Cities to Live in if You’re Single

So you’re single and well, yeah, you’re OVER it.

Sitting on the couch watching Netflix with a bottle of wine to yourself just isn’t how it used to be and you need to get out there and meet people. Start fresh.

So ladies and gentlemen, I give you the 10 best cities to live in if you’re single!

10. Baltimore, MD

Talk about a city full of singles! According to Forbes, there are 124.7 unmarried women per 100 unmarried men. Lucky men! This is on the up and attracting more singles who love a city atmosphere and East Coast lifestyle. Good morning Baltimore!

9. Cleveland, OH

Cleveland is booming with fun and festive singles, especially if you’re a sports fan! These local singles live and breathe their sports teams so embrace the culture and meet a single cutie at a local sports pub and grab a beer!

8. Portland, OR

This city is trending by the minute! Sure, plenty of hipsters are maing their way to Oregon, but Portland is great if you like some aspects of city life but still want to get away and enjoy nature! So get out there for a hike and meet your future granola crunching bae.

7. Washington D.C.

Searching for your future politician partner? LOL. But seriously, this isn’t a bad place to start. Take in the scenery and head to the great outdoors for some fun, or take a stroll through the city! This big city holds plenty of potential for fun-loving singles who have a greater appreciation for history and the outdoors. Plus, every Friday during summer, National Gallery of Art has “Jazz in the Garden” which is a great spot to bring out those dance moves and find other single men who have a great taste in music and appreciation for art.

6. Boston, Massachusetts

It’s no wonder Legally Blonde was filmed in this college town! All the top universities are located here, so there is a high likelihood you will find a smart and sexy collegiate man here! And talk about another booming sports town! Whether you’re on the outskirts searching for your sexy grad or in the city arguing sports over a beer, this is a great town to meet singles!

5. Houston, TX

There’s a reason Drake loves it here! Houston has just the right amount of southern mixed with business professional to make any single find their perfect match! Embrace the BBQ and sweet tea lover inside of you and get yourself a southern gentlemen or lady!

4. Seattle, WA

This is headquarters for some of the most prominent Fortune 500 companies. Can you say CEO’s?! There’s plenty of successful businessman here that you can swing and at least find meaningful conversation with when you’re out and about!

3. San Francisco, CA

If you’re a successful, single female San Francisco is the place for you. San Fran has the biggest support system for women startups, so the men here like seeing a girl who can hold her own! Not to mention GOOGLE offices are here for those of you searching for a sexy nerd!

2. Nashville, TN

The home of country music and country cuties! If you’re a single guy, this is the place to be. According to Forbes, for every 100 unmarried men  there are 122.2 women. Be on the lookout for some seriously cute hipsters and up and coming music stars in this star-studded town full of big dreams!

1. New York, NY

You had to see this one coming! Not only is this city HUGE, so there are plenty of opportunities to meet someone, but also you practically have to walk everywhere, thus more opportunities to bump into a future someone! From endless amounts of bars to Central Park, there’s plenty of places to roam as a single, no matter what atmosphere you fancy!

– Taylor

 

“If you can look up, you can get up.” Former Giants RB David Wilson Won’t Let Spinal Stenosis Stop Him

Photo: Gospel Herald

Goodbye NFL, and hello track and field!

People would think you’re crazy if you told them a former first-round draft pick would retire from the NFL after two years.

David Wilson would tell you you’re out of your mind if you told him this would be his story. Yet here he is, during an emotional press conference walking away from the game he loves.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-york-giants/0ap3000000374814/Wilson-gives-emotional-farewell-speech

Ugh, you teared up right?

“If you can look up, you can get up,”   -David Wilson.

So how did Wilson get to this point and where does he go from here?

Wilson attended high school in Virginia where he set school records and was the Gatorade Player of the Year. He went on to play college ball at Virginia Tech where once again he set records – during his junior season he racked up 1,709 yards on 290 carries. He was the ACC Offensive Player of the Year.

During the combine he put up impressive numbers especially in the vertical jump and broad jump – keep that in mind.

He was drafted in the first round to the New York Giants in 2012. That same year as an NFL rookie,  Wilson led the league with a franchise-record of 1,533 kickoff return yards.

His next season tragedy would strike. Wilson was injured just five games into his second season, where doctors then diagnosed him with spinal stenosis.  Wilson had surgery in January of 2014 and returned for training camp, only to take a hard hit that left him feeling a numbness you never want to feel.

A couple of months later, he was told he would have to sit the whole season and was advised by doctors to quit football.

Cue the video- Wilson decided it was time to retire.

He finished with playing in 21 career games and had 504 yards on 115 carries.

It’s true… When one door closes, another one always opens.

Now I told you about David Wilson the football star, but I didn’t tell you about David Wilson the track and field star.

Photo: NY Times

Back in high school, Wilson was a sprinter and a jumper. In 2009, he was the National Champion at the Nike Indoor meet for the triple jump. He also did track and field at Virginia Tech. He was an All-American and placed sixth in the triple jump at the NCAA Championship.

So this is Wilson’s next move, track and field. He has been training for the triple jump and he has his eyes set on going to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

In his first track meet since 2011 last month (June 2015), he fell a little short of his goal and placed ninth. He did not qualify for the US Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

They say it’s not about how many times you fall, but about how many times you get back up. Keep getting up Wilson, we want to see you in red, white and blue again!

– Paige

Geno Smith at Starting QB Is Still Raising Some Eyebrows

Geno Smith is currently the penciled-in starting quarterback for the New York Jets.

In other words, the squad is still counting on Smith to carry their team to victory each and every Sunday afternoon this Fall. But after last season, is this really going to be what’s best for the team? The new Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey has some great offensive additions brought on to the team for this upcoming season, but is that really enough?

According to ESPN’s QBR metric, Smith was the second WORST passer in the league (my man Russell was number twelve, just sayin’) right in front of Blake Bortles. Putting up these kinds of numbers is not going to get Smith, let alone the Jets, anywhere. Granted the team does also have Ryan Fitzpatrick, and rookies Jake Heaps (out of Washington, what what!) and Bryce Petty, who can also step up to the plate if need be.

Frankly, with Petty as a fourth round draft pick out of Baylor University, why not take advantage of the new talent? If you take even just a quick glance at his stats from Baylor (see right for just a few), you can see that he has quite the resume, and these aren’t even all of his accomplishments.

The team wants to win and the team wants to succeed and at the end of the day, Smith isn’t going to be able to provide that. Smith has proven to be a fabulous quarterback in the past, but the truth of the matter is, he is no longer performing like he used to.

If the Jets want to succeed this season, they’re better off without Geno Smith.

– Alexa

Drink of the Week! Fishers Island Lemonade

It’s Thirsty Thursday, so you know we got a new drink for you fools to try out this weekend.

Fishers Island Lemonade.

Fisher’s Island, New York is a nine mile long island with a year round population of 230 people.

There is only ONE bar, called the The Pequot Inn, which has been in business for over 100 years and serves the best drink I have had all summer.

With 9% alcohol in a small can, it gives you a bang for your buck. This lemonade is a much heftier take on a vodka lemonade with the addition of honey sweeteners and corn whiskey. You can find Fisher’s Island Lemonade in New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island with distribution expanding worldwide this summer!

How to make it your own/spice it up/add a unique twist: 

– Pour in a chilled mason jar over ice, if you’re feeling festive…

– Sprinkle in some rosemary or add a fresh rosemary sprig, if you want to make the hipsters jealous…

– Add a slice of lemon to garnish, because after all, it is summer…

– Enjoy with seafood, steak or a salad on a warm summer day! But beware… they will creep up on you!

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– Morgan